Minister to address 'challenges' at TT Grandstand

Strong winds delayed the opening of the site at the grandstand ahead of the start of the TT

The government will work with Douglas Council to address "challenges" in the paddock during the 2024 Isle of Man TT races, the enterprise minister has said.

Tim Johnston conceded the area in Noble's Park had been seen issues with parking, power supplies and strong winds, which had “wreaked havoc” before the event.

Speaking in Tynwald, he said there was "a need for investment" in the local authority-owned site and the "relevant debriefs were well underway".

Raising concerns about provisions for the recent event, Tim Glover MHK said the revised parking at the smaller St George’s Car Park was “completely inadequate”.

The changes were a result of the council reducing the amount of space that could be used as a car park during the event to reduce damage within the park.

Mr Johnston said persistent rain had created "waterlogged" grass, which led to intermittent closures of the new parking area.

The area at Noble's Park becomes a hub for race fans during the TT fortnight

Mr Glover said with the island was "trying to put on a world class event in a field" and with increased media interest, including from Hollywood producers, it was "time to go all in and invest in our own event".

In response, Mr Johnston admitted the TT Grandstand was an area that needed "to be looked at" in terms of the long-term sustainability of the event at the site.

Praising organisers and volunteers who made the event "the success it was" despite the challenges, he said the department was committed to working with the Douglas Council on how to "move forward together" to improve the offering at the site.

The priorities for 2025 would be "improved power provision, enhanced utilisation of the site and further ideas to deal with prolonged adverse weather", he added.